Wilbur "Bill" P. Petersen, 80, of Minden, passed away on Friday, September 29, 2023 at his home, with his family by his side. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden with Rev. Donald Becker officiating. The service will be streamed to the church's YouTube page. Interment will be held later that day at 1:30 p.m. at the Minden Cemetery with military honors presented by the Minden American Legion, Heartwell Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the United States Army Honors Team. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Craig Funeral Home in Minden. Memorials in Bill's honor are kindly suggested to the Kearney County Historical Society or the Minden Senior Center. Arrangements are under the care of Craig Funeral Home in Minden.

Wilbur "Bill" P. Petersen was born on September 1, 1943 to Harold and Florence (Rients) Petersen in Worthington, MN. The family later moved to Upland, NE where he graduated from high school.

He joined the Army National Guard in 1964 and after serving 31 years. He retired as 1SG with HHC 1-195th AR out of Kearney.

In October of 1964, he married Nancy Mitchell and to this union two sons were born, James and John.

Bill had many jobs in his lifetime. He installed sprinklers in for Bob Lundeen, was a custodian at the Kearney County Courthouse, a deputy sheriff for Kearney County, then Bill was appointed as Police Chief of Minden. After retiring from law enforcement, he and his wife managed the motel at Pioneer Village.

He was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, American Legion OCTA, Kearney County Historical Society, and the Nebraska National Guard Retirees. Bill enjoyed reading, traveling, and visiting with everyone about history, especially the Oregon and California Trail.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Nancy; sons, James "Jim" Petersen of Minden and special friend, Hydie Shiers of Kearney, and John Petersen and his wife, Pam, of Blair; grandchildren, Ali Holmes and her husband, Sabastien of Blair, Evan Petersen and special friend, Karsen Winn of Lincoln; brothers, Warren Petersen and his wife, Christy, of Minden, Ric Petersen and his wife, Dawn of Boynton Beach, FL; sisters, Margaret Griffith of Neligh, Joy Sinsel and her husband, Randy, of Minden, and Ada Petersen of Minden; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Linda Slade; brother, Lance Petersen; brothers-in-law, Randy Petersen, Frank Griffith, and Lee Slade.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .